Woody and herbaceous wastes for the remediation of polluted waters of wetlands

Abstract

Plants wastes play an important role during water remediation in wetlands. Plant waste is made into biochar, which is usually used directly or as a water biofilter to remove pollutants. While, the water remediation effect of combination for biochar from woody and herbaceous wastes coupling with substrate types in CWs have not been fully explored. To explore the water remediation effect of combination for biochar coupling with substrate on pH, Turbidity, COD, NH4+-N, TN and TP, four plant configuration modes combining seven woody plants and eight herbaceous plants (Plants A, Plants B, Plants C, Plants D) were coupled with three substrate types (Substrate 1, Substrate 2, Substrate 3) as 12 experiment groups, using water detection methods and significant differences test (LSD) to analyze. Results showed: (1) Compared to Substrate 3, Substrate 1 and Substrate 2 removed significantly higher in pollutants concentration (p < 0.05); (2) NH4+-N final concentration in Plants C and Plants D were both significantly lower than Plants A and Plants B coupling with Substrate 1 and Substrate 2 (p < 0.05). The TN final concentration of Plants C was significantly lower than Plants A in Substrate 1 (p < 0.05), and Plants A's turbidity was significantly lower than Plants C and Plants D's in Substrate 2 (p < 0.05); (3) The pollutants removal of group A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, D1 and D2 were significantly higher than other experiment groups (p < 0.05). Group A2, B2, C1 and D1 had the best water remediation effect and better stability of plant community. Findings in this study will be beneficial for remediating polluted water and building sustainable wetlands.